The bill aims to enhance the scheduling and taking of meal and rest breaks for health care workers in Washington hospitals, recognizing the importance of these breaks for both employee well-being and patient safety. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the need for uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, while allowing for flexibility in scheduling under certain circumstances, such as unforeseeable emergencies. The bill amends RCW 49.12.480 to clarify that employers must provide these breaks and outlines specific conditions under which breaks can be combined or waived, including the requirement for written agreements between employers and employees regarding any waivers.

Additionally, the bill mandates that employers maintain records of missed meal and rest periods and submit quarterly reports to the Department of Labor and Industries detailing the number of missed breaks and waivers. It specifies that these reporting requirements will not apply to certain hospitals until July 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring that health care workers' rights to breaks are protected while also accommodating the operational needs of hospitals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.12.480
Substitute Bill: 49.12.480
Bill as Passed Legislature: 49.12.480
Session Law: 49.12.480